Pharmacological therapy compliance in diabetes

To establish the frequency of compliance to pharmacological therapy, and to identify non-compliance factors, in relation to metabolic control on patients with type-II diabetes mellitus. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between 1997 and 1998, among 150 type-II diabetic patients, at the Family Medicine Unit No. 33, of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Compliance to drug therapy was measured by counting tablets at home. Metabolic control was measured through glycosilated hemoglobin. A questionnaire was given to collect data on factors related to compliance. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Student's t and odds ratios. Pharmacological therapy compliance was 54.2%. Factors associated with non-compliance were elementary schooling and lack of information about the disease. Pharmacological therapy compliance was low. Factors related to non-compliance can be modified through education.